バゲトー&みるふぃーにゃ
My sister treated me to lunch at her favorite restaurant. Today, I had the carbonara. It might be a bit long, but whether you've tried it before or not, I think this review will make you want to try it. We all know that wine can be enjoyed in different ways, and the same goes for food, especially carbonara. Many people describe it as "rich," but as someone who has eaten raw eggs without seasoning, I believe the essence of this carbonara lies elsewhere. I was hesitant to write a detailed review of the restaurant, but my sister, a truffle maniac, insisted, so I will share my unique perspective and impressions.
Characteristics of the eggs used:
1. The egg whites are sweet and flavorful.
2. They have a firm texture and are light.
3. The yolks are close to red-orange in color.
4. The yolks are lightly flavored but rich.
5. The yolks have a hint of "umami" from seafood broth.
6. There is no egg smell.
7. The umami flavor lingers in the aftertaste.
Good quality eggs, like those from well-fed and well-cared-for chickens, are like high-quality animal fats – they are not fishy and have a light texture. In a refreshing way, the subtle umami flavor of the fish oil used in their feed seeps through, creating a delicate and deep egg. The light texture may also be due to this high-quality fish oil. In Japan, eggs are said to have a fishy smell because few countries mix fish into chicken feed. However, when chickens are raised on fresh feed and in a stress-free environment, any fishy smell is naturally processed by the chickens, leaving behind a lingering umami flavor.
The true essence of this carbonara lies in the "coolness" that is felt deep down and the harmony of the meat, cheese, and umami flavors. Before coming here, I was curious about whether the taste of fish broth and cheese would go well together and if the light yolks would coat the pasta well. The results were that the Pecorino cheese and eggs paired very well, creating a complex and deep umami flavor, and the chef skillfully coated each individual egg with the pasta.
Dishes with strong umami flavors like this one may be inherently delicious to the Japanese, who have a culture rich in broth. In fact, this dish is quite popular. However, what one finds delicious is subjective. Some may find greasy and rich dishes from chain restaurants delicious, while others may only be satisfied with high-quality ingredients. I do not deny or affirm any of these preferences. However, in the past, chickens were raised freely and eggs were of high quality like those from Takahashi eggs, which were not smelly. Egg allergies were also less common back then.
The chef had to repeatedly plead with the producer, who initially refused to use heated eggs, in order to use the eggs in this dish. I have met the producer before, and he is a good person, but quite the artisan, so the chef's persistence in requesting the eggs really shows his passion. Each dish is created with the dedication of producers and chefs who pour their hearts into it. The final product in front of me, made through a chain of various thoughts and feelings, allows me to savor it, feel its essence, and touch upon those emotions. This kind of deliciousness is truly something special.